The chatter surrounding Shedeur Sanders hasn’t dimmed one bit since draft weekend—if anything, it’s gotten louder. Now firmly embedded in the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp, the former Colorado Buffaloes star QB1 is already elbowing his way into the 2025 narrative. As the Browns piece together their quarterback depth chart, Shedeur finds himself in the mix alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, aiming to show the coaching staff that Day 3 doesn’t define Day 1 potential. And while the position battle is heating up, Sanders has somehow already found another way to stamp his identity all over Berea.

Shedeur’s now-iconic “Perfect Timing” watch celebration didn’t take long to travel from Boulder all the way to Cleveland. It first popped out after Nebraska players disrespected the Colorado logo in 2023, then the next week, after a tense win over Colorado State, fueled by their coach dissing his dad. Quickly, flashing an invisible luxury watch—often representing a stainless steel Audemars Piguet—became Shedeur’s signature touchdown flex, a symbol of swagger that blew up into a viral moment. Now, that very move is officially a team-wide phenom with the Cleveland Browns.

In a team photo taken during rookie camp, Browns rookie RBs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson were caught mid-pose mimicking the exact same “Shedeur celly,” flashing the QB’s signature move with flair. For a 5th-round pick, that’s not just culture fit—that’s culture creation. And that’s what makes this moment bigger than just a photo op.

Sanders, despite sliding embarrassingly to Day 3 of the NFL Draft, hasn’t shown a single crack in his demeanor. The optics could’ve been humbling, but Shedeur isn’t blinking. Instead, he’s leaning into his process with a veteran’s poise, shrugging off expectations and choosing to focus on controlling what he can. It’s the mentality of someone who’s been doubted before—and someone who’s used to answering back. He’s gone from No. 2 in college to No. 12 in the pros—a subtle nod, perhaps, to the kind of legacy that wears that number best.

Yes, Shedeur Sanders has already been hit with the “next Tom Brady” comparisons, and while that kind of talk may feel premature or even outrageous to some, there’s more than just sentiment behind it. The common thread? Brady too, was a late-round pick with a chip on his shoulder and a mind wired for proving people wrong. Shedeur, though more bombastic in style, walks into the league with a similar mission: rewrite the narrative.

More importantly, Sanders brings more than arm talent or confidence—he brings influence. In a matter of days, he’s shaped how his teammates express themselves, and that intangible is rare.

Shedeur Sanders takes Tom Brady’s words to heart

Shedeur Sanders might’ve had to wait longer than expected to hear his name called, but don’t expect him to sulk about being the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, the Browns’ rookie is using it as fuel, just like someone named Brady once did.

“My story is going to be similar, you know, I was a late-round draft pick,” Shedeur said. “But we’re here now, so none of that stuff matters, it just mattered on the day. I’m just excited to be here and ready to work.” Sound familiar? That’s because Tom Brady himself slid to the sixth round at pick 199 back in 2000. And now, the seven-time Super Bowl champ is playing mentor.

On the Impaulsive podcast, Tom Brady revealed he texted Shedeur directly with a little wisdom. “I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well, and I said, ‘Dude, like, whatever happens, wherever you go, like, that’s your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft.’” He added, “Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.” That’s exactly what Shedeur plans to do. No chip on the shoulder, no proving the haters wrong—just putting his head down and letting the work (and wins) do the talking.